Vision Care: Could Vitamin C Help Improve Your Vision?

Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.

Some individuals can see perfectly well when there is a decent amount of light. But once the light starts to dim and fade away, their vision becomes poor. These individuals suffer from a condition called “nyctalopia,” more commonly called “night blindness.”

It’s a bit of a misnomer, as there is no blindness involved; nobody with this condition is truly blind. It is a matter, instead, of having impaired eyesight in the dark. The symptoms include difficulty seeing when you are driving during the evening or nighttime, vision that becomes noticeably worse in reduced light, and your eyes taking longer to adjust to the dark.

The problem is in your retina, the middle of your pupils. Theretina contain photoreceptors that are responsible for making the necessary adjustments when there is more light or less light, bright light, or darkness. These photoreceptors come in the shape of either a cone or a rod. Cones are in the center of the retina, focusing on fine details and color. Rods line the edges of the retina, and do most of the work when light is dim.

Therefore, it’s these light-sensitive rods that are the issue with night blindness. The rods contain a purple pigment called “rhodopsin.” Here’s where the vitamin deficiency comes in… Rhodopsin adjusts to darkness only when there is a sufficient supply of vitamin A in the body. When there’s enough vitamin A, you can see objects in dim light. And there it is: the hidden cause of night blindness could be not having enough of this vital nutrient in your body.

In the early 1900s, researchers identified vitamin A as being the crucial element in night blindness. As a matter of fact, vitamin A is also known as “retinol,” because it creates the pigments in your retina. Good vision depends largely on this nutrient. When there is a severe vitamin A deficiency, your cornea can actually soften, become very dry, or even begin to dissolve.

The nutrient is responsible for transmitting light that enters your eye in to nerve signals. Thus, it helps you understand what is in front of you by turning light into pictures. Vitamin A makes sure the retina functions properly, particularly when adjusting your vision from a place with bright light to a place of darkness.

Indonesians, for example, are notoriously vitamin A deficient. They call this inability to see in the night “chicken eyes,” because the birds cannot see in the dark. As a side note, eye drops of vitamin A are available to treat a case of dry eyes, caused by disruptive tear glands that don’t secrete enough tears.

Now, treating vitamin A deficiency will help restore your vision in the night. It can be obtained orally or
intravenously; however, high doses of vitamin A can be dangerous, so only take it with a doctor’s recommendation.

You can prevent night blindness by obtaining enough vitamin A through your diet.

Vitamin A is found in many milk products, including cheese, butter, fortified margarine, and cream. It’s also
found in liver, cod liver oil, and the yolks of eggs. Vitamin A is often fortified, because in low-fat dairy products (skim milk, etc.), it is mostly lost when the fat is removed. Look for low-fat dairy options “fortified” with the vitamin. Many breakfast cereals are also fortified in this way — check the label. In all of these sources, vitamin A is known as retinol.

Now, obviously something should spring to mind when you read the food sources of vitamin A. Many of them are not particularly healthy to be eating on a daily or regular basis — for instance, egg yolks, liver, and butter.

So, where else can you find vitamin A? The answer is: any foods that are high in beta-carotene. Your body has the ability to convert beta-carotene into vitamin A. Finding beta-carotene in the diet is a very healthy way to get vitamin A. These foods include broccoli, dark green leafy vegetables, and any fruits or vegetables that are orange or yellow.

Popular Stories

Our Readers' Comments

"Very informative. Thanks for all the healthy tips. My blood pressure has been high. Needed info on good veggies & herbs, along with doctor visit. Thank you."

L.F., Staten Island, NY

"So far I've gained info---I love it and am a slow reader so it takes time enjoying all the good info---thank you for asking."

R.V., Hamburg, NY

"You have a great and helpful publication!!!"

B.J., Dayton, OH

"Excellent information."

R.M., Clemson, SC

"I truly enjoy the information in the recent reports. These are life-saving tips and data I have used for myself and family. Thank you for your dedication to getting the facts to us."

C.M., Auburn Hills, MI

"I really enjoy most of your newsletters."

D.N., Cedar Grove, WI

"I enjoy reading the everyday advice from all the Doctors with different approach for our health and I thank all of you Doctors for you good intentions. I hope many people like me take advantage and follow your advice and get the benefits."

L.F., Levittown, NY

"I very, very much thank God for your caring, knowledgeable and selfless mission to help folks keep or regain our health. It is not veiled your concern for our welfare. Thank you."

M.R., Lubbock, TX

"I was in hospital and just started reviewing your info. I like what I have seen so far. Thank you."

B.B., New York, NY

"I do appreciate your newsletter and read It cover to cover. I like how you give both sides of the story and the pros and cons."

E.M., Riverdale, MD

"I have been impressed with your newsletter alongside of other health blogs as there is developing in this arena an informed consensus of basic nutritional principles that our culturally stressed diets need for a realistic return to good health individually and as a society."

L.B., Monticello, KY

"I look forward in reading my Chinese Medicine Healing Miracles newsletter. It gives me a better look at things beside the chemicals that our government is trying to pump into us and all the side effects. I like to go natural as much as I can."

M.B., Liberty, TX

"Yes i have enjoyed your newsletter and look forward to each issue."

E.B., Carney’s Point, NJ

"I have enjoyed reading Doctor's Health Journal and it has enlightened me on several issues!"

T.L., Somerset

"Keep up the good work! Your newsletter are interesting and informed and like getting them."

J.B., Queens, NY

"Thanks for the wonderful information!"

L.U., Bradenton, FL

"I am enjoying learning and receiving this great information ."

K.P., Carmel, IN

"I appreciate you sending me the Vitamin doctor newsletter they are very informative."

P.T., Bermuda

"Having had a heart attack last year I really appreciate your articles on heart health. Very informative. Keep it up."

S.G., Winnipeg, MB

"Thanks, I really do like your newsletter. Valuable."

B.T., Vallda, Sweden

"I'm not even a quarter of the way through "12 Kitchen Cures to Slash Your Blood Pressure" and found three (remedies) to work as stated. It seems like one in and of itself is the one thing that knocks of as many as 10 points from each side of my BP."

T.S., Burbank, CA

"I enjoy reading all that you put out…"

R.Z., Encino, CA

"It is really an eye opener. All information is much appreciated for this times when everything we do and don't do has it consequences in our health."

R.A., Westchester, NY

E.F., Fort Myers, FL

"Some of the articles I found informative, but the majority I already knew. For the people who are just learning about natural ways of keeping healthy, a subscription to your newsletter is a good idea."

T.R., Vancouver, BC

"I enjoy your newsletter, and great believer in alternative remedies and cures"

M.D., CA

"Thanks for the information you are providing. It is educational a learning experience."

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventive, or cure for any disease, disorder, or abnormal physical state, nor should it be considered a substitute for medical care from your doctor. On any matter relating to your health or well-being—and prior to undertaking any health-related activity—consult an appropriate health professional. The opinions herein are exactly that, they are the opinions of the author. Doctors Health Press, a division of Lombardi Publishing Corp. and its employees are not responsible for medically unsupervised activities that could be harmful to your health. Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. All of the Doctors Health Press publications come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your newsletter, you can simply cancel your subscription and receive a pro-rated refund on all undelivered issues. For our books and special reports, we will give you a full refund of your purchase price within 30 days of your order. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service.